Tuesday, September 13, 2011

09132011 - Officer Kenneth Bluew - Arrested For Murder of Pregnant Girlfriend Jennifer Webb



Jennifer Webb Murder Case Links

















Officer Kenneth Bluew was arrested on September 12th for the August 30, 2011 murder of his girlfriend Jennifer Webb and the death of their unborn son, whom Jennifer was pregnant with at the time. Officer Bluew is charged with strangling Jennifer [while he was on duty] and then staging the murder as a suicide.





Officer Kenneth Bluew [Buena Vista] has been charged with the August 30th death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son.



At the time of her murder, Jennifer Webb was only a few weeks away from giving birth to her son. Officer Kenneth Bluew was the father of Jennifer's unborn child.



Jennifer's due date was September 15, 2011






















SEPTEMBER 12, 2011: OFFICER KENNETH BLUEW ARRESTED FOR THE MURDER OF JENNIFER WEBB

Offender Name: KENNETH TWYMAN BLUEW
Offender ID: 152976
Date of Birth: 01/07/1975
Age: 36
Race: White
Gender: Male
Custody Status: In Custody
Location of Offender: Saginaw County Sheriff's Office


Offender Name: KENNETH TWYMAN BLUEW
Offender ID: 000076701
Date of Birth: 01/07/1975
Age: 36
Race: White
Gender: Male
Custody Status: In Custody
Location of Offender: Bay County Sheriff's Office
















Police officer arrested in connection to murder
WNEM News
Sep 12, 2011
http://www.wnem.com/story/15446550/police-officer-arrested-in-connection-to-murder



Officer Bluew's video arraignment from the jail


Officer Kenneth Bluew's booking photos


SAGINAW COUNTY, MI (WNEM) -A Buena Vista Township Police officer was arrested in connection to the murder of Jennifer Webb and her unborn child. Webb's body was found almost two weeks ago in Buena Vista near a gun range used by law enforcement.

TV5's Liz Gelardi broke the story of the arrest. Sources told her Michigan State Police took the suspect into custody shortly after 6:00 p.m. Monday.

Police took the suspect to the Saginaw County Jail where he was booked and moved to an undisclosed location. The police officer will likely be arraigned Tuesday morning. He is facing multiple charges, including charges related to the murder and death of the unborn child.The Saginaw County Prosecutor has been the only person allowed to comment on this case. He has released very little information, but Gelardi has learned other details surrounding the murder.

Sources told TV5 the police officer was in a relationship with Webb. She was weeks away from giving birth. The officer is also believed to be the father of that child.

Webb's father spoke exclusively to Gelardi. He is relieved police made an arrest.

"It can't say it was joy, it was good it means there is things happening because we was having doubts," said Donald Webb.

The Buena Vista Police Department has suspended the officer.












Interactive map: 
Key places in the Kenneth Bluew case in the death of Jenny Webb
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/interactive_map_key_places_in.html

The map features key places in Kenneth Bluew's career as well as key places in the events leading up to his arrest on Sept. 12.

Bluew is facing charges in the death of Jennifer Webb who was eight months pregnant when she died.






























Buena Vista Township officer accused in pregnant woman's strangling death had 'arrogant' and 'aggressive' demeanor, neighbor says
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/neighbor_officer_accused_in_pr.html

  
Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Bay County Jail. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son. JEFF SCHRIER THE SAGINAW NEWS

SAGINAW — A Saginaw Township neighbor said it was a “total shock” to learn Saginaw County investigators charged his neighbor, suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew, in the Aug. 30 Buena Vista Township strangling death of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb, who was 8 months pregnant.

Bluew’s neighbor, Steve, 28, who declined to give his last name, said his neighbor had an “arrogant” and “aggressive” demeanor but was a “relatively good” neighbor.

An unidentified man came to the front door of Bluew’s home Tuesday where a car was parked but declined comment.

It was the night of Sept. 1, a day after Webb’s death, that Bluew’s neighbor said two police vehicles arrived at he home and another neighbor, an acquaintance of Bluew’s, drove him away from the residence.

Bluew’s personal vehicle had been spotted at the address briefly on multiple occasions since Webb’s slaying, according to Steve.

“He came back and got a couple of things,” the neighbor said. “He’d be here; be gone. A couple of days would go by, He’d be back and be gone.”

Steve said it unnerved him to know that a potential homicide suspect had been in such close proximity without his knowledge.

Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank arraigned Bluew Tuesday on four felony charges, including first-degree premeditated murder in the death of Webb, who was 8 months pregnant.

Bluew also is charged with intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage, or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Frank entered a not guilty plea on Bluew’s behalf and held him without bond.













Sheriff: Police officer charged in pregnant woman's death will be lodged in Gratiot County
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/sheriff_police_officer_charged.html


Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Bay County Jail Tuesday morning. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.



Former Police Chief of Tittabawassee Township Robert Harken, left, stands next to the new Police Chief Kenneth Bluew after being sworn in October, 2006.Jonathon Gruenke The Saginaw News file.




Buena Vista Township police discovered the body of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb, who was 8 months pregnant, near the Buena Vista Township Police gun range at Hack and North Outer on Aug. 31, 2011. Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew is charged in her strangulation death. Gus Barnes, The Saginaw News.



Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son. Photo courtesy of Saginaw County Jail The Saginaw News staff.















Jennifer Webb death
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://photos.mlive.com/saginawnews/2011/09/jennifer_webb_death.html

Buena Vista Township police discovered the body of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb, who was 8 months pregnant, near the Buena Vista Township Police gun range at Hack and North Outer on Aug. 31, 2011. Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew is charged in her strangulation death.



Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son. Photo courtesy of Saginaw County Jail.















Police officer charged with murder
ABC 12 NEWS
Sep 13, 2011
http://www.abc12.com/story/15450811/police-officer-charged-with-murder

Officer Kenneth Bluew [Buena Vista PD], at his arraignment



Officer Kenneth Bluew [Buena Vista PD], at his arraignment.



Jennifer Webb [Murdered August 30, 2011]



Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas






The Michigan State Police took over the investigation of Jennifer's murder, when the Buena Vista PD believed that Officer Kenneth Bluew was involved.



Rural area where the Buena Vista PD gun range is located [and where Jennifer's body was found]



Buena Vista PD gun range



Bluew's arraignment



Bluew's arraignment














Buena Vista Police Officer Ken Bluew charged in murder of Jenny Webb
NBC News
September 13, 2011
http://www.minbcnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=662573
Officer Kenneth Bluew was charged with premeditated murder in the death of Jennifer Webb.


Officer Kenneth Bluew's booking photos



Officer Kenneth Bluew's arraignment



Saginaw Prosecutor Attorney Mike Thomas [left] and Saginaw County Chief Prosecutor Jeffrey Stroud [right].



Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas



Officer Kenneth Bluew's video arraignment



Jennifer Webb, who Officer Kenneth Bluew is accused of murdering on August 30th.



Officer Kenneth Bluew's arraignment from the jail.



Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank















Michigan Officer Charged With Pregnant Woman's Death Jennifer Webb Found Dead Aug. 30 Near Saginaw
Click On Detroit
September 13, 2011
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/29167217/detail.html

SAGINAW, Mich. -- A Michigan police officer has been charged in the strangulation death of a woman near the end of her pregnancy whose body was found in August near his department's gun range.

Kenneth Bluew was arraigned by video Tuesday on charges in the death of 32-year-old Jennifer Webb, and was ordered held without bond. He's charged with first-degree murder, felony firearm possession and a charge related to the death of the unborn child.

Bluew told the court he understands the nature of charges against him and planned to hire a lawyer. Not guilty pleas were entered.

He's due back in court Sept. 22 for a preliminary hearing.

Donald Webb said he's glad an arrest has been made, but it doesn't calm him heart.

"In that aspect we're happy. But, like my wife said, my daughter and our grandson is not coming back," he said.

Buena Vista Township police said an officer found Webb's body Aug. 30 near the department's gun range near Saginaw. She was eight months pregnant.

Investigators said Bluew is suspected of being the father of Webb's child and having an ongoing affair with her. He is married.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas said DNA evidence linked Bluew to the crime scene.













Links: Media coverage of Buena Vista Police Officer Kenneth Bluew charged in strangulation death of Jenny Webb
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/links_coverage_of_buena_vista.html

Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew was arraigned today in the homicide of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb on Aug. 30. Webb was eight months pregnant at the time of her death and planned to name her son Braxton James Donald Webb.

Here are a few of the stories circling around the web on the case:

• Police officer charged in death of pregnant woman [WNEM TV5]

• Buena Vista Police Officer Kenneth Bluew charged in murder of Jenny Webb [WEYI NBC25]

• Michigan Officer Charged in Death of Pregnant Woman [WDIV]

• Police Officer Charged in Death of Pregnant Woman [WJBK FOX2]

• Police officer charged with murder [WJRT ABC12]















Woman whose website tracks police violence, including the Kenneth Bluew case: "It's a different kind of afraid"
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/victim_of_officer-involved_dom.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son. Photo courtesy of Saginaw County Jail The Saginaw News staff


Even though she suffered violence at the hands of her law enforcement officer husband, she didn't start blogging about the situation until the police chief in her hometown killed his wife and himself.

"I didn't know know her, I didn't know the police chief, but all I could think was 'How long had she been afraid?,'" said Cloud Writer, a woman whose blog features media reports on domestic violence, homicide and abuse cases involving law enforcement officers from across the country.

Cloud Writer is a pseudonym the woman writes under to protect herself.

Her most recent entries feature Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew and how he facing charges in the death of an eight-months-pregnant Jennifer Webb.

"It's a different kind of afraid, because you can't go to the police," she said from her West Coast home.

Since she began the blog, her site has featured nearly 20 fatal cases involving law enforcement officers in Michigan alone.

But, she said, it's not a rare occurrence, as shown by the thousands of blog entries on her website, Behind the Blue Wall, which the author said she hopes will shine a light on officer-involved domestic violence.
















Who is Kenneth Bluew? 
Buena Vista policeman accused of killing Bridgeport woman once described as 'Rambo-type' law enforcer
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/who_is_kenneth_bluew_buena_vis.html

SAGINAW — While former employers of a Buena Vista police officer accused of murdering a 32-year-old pregnant woman are staying mum, Saginaw News archives show the law enforcer’s career arc in recent years includes one official describing him as a “Rambo-type” officer.

Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew this morning was arraigned on charges of first-degree premeditated murder, felony firearm possession and intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo in connection with the death of Jennifer M. Webb.

Bluew, now suspended from the Buena Vista police force, had two stints in the community.

Saginaw News files show Bluew spent seven years on the Buena Vista police force before Tittabawassee Township hired him as police chief in October 2006.

Buena Vista Police Chief Brian Booker in 2006 described Bluew as one of his hardest-working detectives.

“I'm sad. Detective Bluew is one of the best in the county,” Booker told The Saginaw News in 2006. “He took 500 cases a year and was steadfast in all

Booker today did not return phone messages from The Saginaw News, seeking comment on Bluew’s arraignment. Booker in recent weeks has referred questions regarding Webb and Bluew to Saginaw County prosecutors.

Bluew worked at Tittabawassee for 15 months until he resigned in January 2008 to return to Buena Vista.

Then-supervisor Kenneth A. Kasper in 2006 said Bluew earned the township job when he emphasized the importance of keeping close ties with the schools — both to ensure security and build trust with young students.

Kasper, 18 months later, told The Saginaw News that Tittabawassee's relative lack of crime likely persuaded Bluew to look elsewhere. “It was a little slow for him,” Kasper had said. “He's more of a Rambo-type officer.”

Bluew seemed to echo that sentiment when he spoke to The Saginaw News in January 2008

“I love this community — the people out here have been more than welcoming — but I believe I'm more suited to (an urban setting),” Bluew had said about Tittabawassee Township. “There were a lot of different emotions that went into the decision. I feel it was the right move for me and my family.”

Bluew, then 33, had said he wouldn’t rule out a return to a police chief position later in his career.

“I learned a lot about leadership in law enforcement here,” Bluew said. “I learned a lot about myself.”

Tittabawassee officials declined comment about Bluew.













Police Officer Charged in Death of Pregnant Woman
FOX News Detroit
September 13, 2011
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/police-officer-charged-in-death-of-pregnant-woman-20110913-sb



SAGINAW, Mich. (AP) - A Michigan police officer charged with murder in the strangulation death of a pregnant woman whose body was found near his department's gun range was on duty at the time of the killing, a prosecutor said Tuesday.

Kenneth Bluew, 36, of Saginaw Township, was arraigned by video on charges in the death of Jennifer Webb and was ordered held without bond. He's charged with first-degree murder, felony firearm possession and a charge related to the death of the unborn child.

Details of any relationship between Bluew and Webb, 32, weren't immediately clear.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas declined to confirm whether Bluew was the father of Webb's child, saying it was "not germane" to the charges he faces.

Bluew was working as an officer when Webb, who was eight months pregnant, was killed, Thomas said. He said charges were authorized late Monday after Michigan State Police investigators got the results of DNA-related tests.

He "was armed, being a police officer on duty," Thomas said.

Bluew told the court he understood the nature of charges against him and planned to hire a lawyer. Not guilty pleas were entered. He's due back in court Sept. 22for a preliminary hearing.

If convicted of the murder charge, he faces a mandatory term of life in prison without parole.

Buena Vista Township police said an officer found the body of Webb, who lived in Bridgeport Township, on Aug. 30 near the department's gun range near Saginaw.

Webb's father Donald Webb said his family was letting prosecutors handle the case and didn't want to discuss details.

"I won't say anything that might jeopardize the case," he said.

Bluew has been suspended from his post as an officer. He spent seven years on the Buena Vista police force before Tittabawassee Township hired him as police chief in October 2006, according to archive stories published by The Saginaw News.

Bluew worked in Tittabawassee Township for 15 months until he resigned in January 2008 to return to Buena Vista Township.













Police officer charged with murder
ABC 12 NEWS
September 13, 2011
http://www.abc12.com/story/15450811/police-officer-charged-with-murder

Officer Kenneth Bluew [Buena Vista PD], at his arraignment


SAGINAW (WJRT) - (09/13/11) - A Buena Vista Township police officer is behind bars charged with killing a pregnant woman.

Officer Kenneth Bluew, 36, was formally charged in Saginaw County District Court Tuesday morning.

Bluew faces four felony charges, including the most serious offense of first degree premeditated murder.

He is also charged with intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo, and two counts of felony firearms.

Bleuw is accused of killing 32-year-old Jennifer Webb on August 30th.

Her body was found near a gun range in Buena Vista Township the following day.

Webb was eight months pregnant, and friends tell us she was carrying Bluew's child, a boy to be named Braxton.

Prosecutor Mike Thomas reports Bluew was on-duty when the crime took place, and confirms Bluew was at the scene of the murder when another officer found Webb's body.

Thomas says Webb was strangled to death.

He goes on to say Bluew was arrested Monday night after investigators got some DNA-related lab results back from the Michigan State Police Crime Lab.

He then was taken to the Saginaw County Jail, but because of his status as a police officer in the county, it was decided to move Bluew to Bay County for the night.

According to the Saginaw County Sheriff, after Bluew was formally charged in Saginaw he was moved to the Gratiot County Jail.

Bluew is suspended from the Buena Vista Township Police Department at this time.

"The principle upset in this case is the fact that we lost a 32-year-old citizen and a child that could have been born alive and lost their life experiences also. I mean that's the tragedy in this case," said Thomas.

Bluew will be back in court later this month.













Father of pregnant Bridgeport Township woman allegedly killed by Buena Vista police officer: We're letting prosecutors handle it
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
Police officer accused in Webb's death was 'armed,' 'on duty' at time of incident, prosecutor says.

Website spotlighting domestic violence by police features Webb's case.

Read live Saginaw News Twitter feed from this morning's arraignment.



Jeff Schrier The Saginaw NewsSuspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Bay County Jail. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son.


BRIDGEPORT TWP. — The father of a slain Bridgeport Township woman said his family won’t comment on news that a Buena Vista Township police officer was arraigned on charges relating to the daughter’s murder.

“We’re letting (prosecutors) handle it,” said Donald Webb, the father of Jennifer M. Webb, the pregnant 32-year-old found dead last month in Buena Vista.

Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew this morning was arraigned on charges of first degree premeditated murder, felony firearm possession and intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo.

Donald Webb said he was aware of the charges.

“I won’t say anything that might jeopardize the case,” he said this morning.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas said officials determined Webb’s daughter, who was eight months pregnant, was strangled to death before police found her body near North Outer Drive, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range.
















Prosecutor: Police officer accused in pregnant woman's death was 'armed,' 'on duty' at time of incident
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/prosecutor_police_officer_accu.html


Suspended Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Saginaw County Jail. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb, who was 8 months pregnant. Jeff Schrier The Saginaw News


SAGINAW — Buena Vista Police Officer Kenneth Bluew “was armed, being a police officer on duty” on Aug. 30 when, investigators believe, he strangled a pregnant Bridgeport Township woman to death, said Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas.

Bluew, 36, appeared this morning for arraignment before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank via video conference from the Saginaw County Jail.

Frank arraigned Bluew, who lives in Saginaw Township, on four felony charges, including first-degree premeditated murder in the death of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb, who was 8 months pregnant. Frank entered a not guilty plea on Bluew’s behalf and held him without bond.

Bluew also is charged with intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage, or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo and two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Thomas said investigators determined Webb was strangled to death before Buena Vista Police Officer Tim Patterson found her pregnant body before midnight at Hack and North Outer, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range. Thomas said that while Webb was strangled to death, investigators believe Bluew was on duty when the offense occurred. Thomas would not confirm whether Bluew was the father of Webb’s child, saying it was “not germane to the charges.”

Bluew said he would hire an attorney.

Thomas said that county Sheriff William L. Federspiel reposed Bluew in the Bay County Jail on Monday.

Thomas said Federspiel will decide where he will house Bluew until Bluew’s Sept. 22 preliminary hearing.

Thomas said investigators were awaiting “DNA-related test results” before charging Bluew. The state police, which investigated the death at the request of Buena Vista Police Chief Brian Booker, expedited the analysis of the DNA, Thomas said.

The test results came back Monday, and a warrant was issued late Monday, Thomas said.

The prosecutor said he would not comment further on the investigators’ evidence until Bluew’s Sept. 22 preliminary hearing before District Judge Christopher S. Boyd















Website spotlighting domestic violence by police features case of Buena Vista police officer Kenneth Bluew, charged with killing pregnant Bridgeport Township woman
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/website_spotlighting_domestic.html


Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Saginaw County Jail. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son.

SAGINAW — The case surrounding the homicide of a 32-year-old pregnant Bridgeport Township woman appears on a website featuring stories of law enforcers accused of domestic violence

Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew this morning was arraigned on charges relating to the murder of Jennifer M. Webb, who was eight months pregnant, on Aug. 30.

Bluew's name also is linked with Webb’s murder in “Behind The Blue Wall,” a website aimed at spotlighting domestic violence from law enforcers. 

The website features media reports from unconfirmed sources who state Bluew was a suspect in Webb’s death, along with reports about the victim.

The site’s web master appeared to react to this morning’s news of charges against Bluew.

“... Everything was happening so fast and there was such a dual sense of sadness and joy to hear that he was in a cage,” one message reads. “I'm very careful about saying he DID it but now that he's arrested at least we know that the police have some evidence to back up what I'm sure most of us were already feeling pretty sure of. THANK YOU TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ALL OTHER OFFICES AND AGENCIES INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION, DECISION TO FILE CHARGES, AND DECISION TO ARREST.”

Bluew was charged with first degree premeditated murder, felony firearm possession and intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas said officials determined Webb was strangled to death before police found her pregnant body near North Outer Drive, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range.

Thomas said Buena Vista Police Chief Brian Booker requested state police conduct the investigation when he learned one of his police officers was a suspect.















Bay County Jail housed Buena Vista police officer arrested in connection with pregnant woman's death
The Bay City Times
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2011/09/bay_county_jail_housed_buena_v.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Saginaw County Jail. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son . Jeff Schrier The Saginaw News

BAY CITY — After being arrested in connection with killing a pregnant woman, a Buena Vista Township police officer spent last night in the Bay County Jail.

Kenneth Bluew was arrested Monday near Detroit and taken to the Saginaw County Jail, where he was booked. Shortly thereafter, he was transferred to the Bay County Jail.

Fellow inmates and guards were kept in the dark as to Bluew's status, said Capt. Troy Stewart, the jail administrator. "We made sure nobody knew he was here," he said.

Stewart said Bluew was taken to Saginaw County for a video arraignment in District Court.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas told The Saginaw News this morning that Bluew will likely be charged with first-degree premeditated murder, felony firearm and intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage or stillbirth of a fetus or embryo in connection with the Aug. 30 death of Jennifer Webb, 32.

A fellow Buena Vista Township police officer discovered Webb's body near North Outer Drive, near the department's outdoor gun range, Thomas said.

Webb was strangled to death, Thomas said.














Tweets from the courtroom: 
BV Officer Kenneth Bluew arraigned in strangulation death of mother-to-be Jennifer Webb
The Saginaw News
Andy Hoag
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/tweets_from_the_courtroom_bv_o.html

Suspended Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew appears before Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank, lower right, via video from the Saginaw County Jail. Bluew is charged in the strangulation death of Jennifer Webb and her unborn son. Jeff Schrier. The Saginaw News.


SAGINAW — Buena Vista Township Police Officer Kenneth Bluew is facing arraignment today in the homicide of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb on Aug. 30.

Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank is overseeing this morning’s arraignment.

Webb was eight months pregnant at the time of her death. She planned to name her son Braxton James Donald Webb.

The Saginaw News will update the events in the courtroom in real time on Twitter. Follow the hashtag Bluew, or see an updated chronology of Tweets here.

• In Judge A.T. Frank's court for arraignment for #Bluew, B.V. police officer charged with murder in the death of the pregnant Jenny Webb.

• Arraignment for #Bluew is scheduled for 9 a.m. Judge Frank will arraign Bluew via video conferencing from the Bay County Jail.

• #Bluew is sitting in the jail's arraignment room by himself. Just waiting on the judge, now.

• Correction, #Bluew is in the Saginaw County Jail for arraignment. He's being moved to another arraignment room with the other defendants.

• County Prosecutor Mike Thomas is here for #Bluew arraignment, as is Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jeff Stroud. MSP Det. Al Ogg also here.

• There is no defense attorney here yet for #Bluew, though they don't typically show up for arraignments unless they are hired beforehand.

• Getting started here. B.V. Police Chief Brian Booker also here. Judge reading charges quickly. #Bluew

• #Bluew says understands nature of charges and he will hire attorney. Automatic not guilty plea entered.

• And we are done. Prosecutor Mike Thomas to speak with the media soon.

• Prelim for #Bluew is scheduled for Sept. 22 before District Judge Christopher Boyd.

• Judge Frank ordered #Bluew held without bond. Prosecutor Thomas said it's up to Sheriff Federspiel whether he will be housed in Sag. or B.C.















Saginaw prosecutor: 
Buena Vista police officer killed pregnant Bridgeport woman
The Saginaw News
September 13, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/prosecutor_buena_vista_police.html

Officer Kenneth Bluew



Jennifer Webb


SAGINAW — A Buena Vista Township police officer will face arraignment here today in the homicide of 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb on Aug. 30, Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas said.

Thomas said state police on Monday evening arrested Kenneth Bluew and plan to charge him with first degree premeditated deliberate murder, felony firearm possession and intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo.

Thomas said officials determined Webb was strangled to death before police found her pregnant body near North Outer Drive, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range.

Thomas said Buena Vista police officer Tim Patterson found the body.

Thomas said Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank will oversee this morning’s arraignment.

The prosecutor was unsure when the arraignment would take place.

Thomas said Buena Vista Police Chief Brian Booker requested state police conduct the investigation when he learned one of his police officers was a suspect.

State police collected “evidence samples” that they plan to unveil in court today, Thomas said.














Michigan Officer Charged With Pregnant Woman's Death
Jennifer Webb Found Dead Aug. 30 Near Saginaw

Click On Detroit
Sep 13 2011
http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/Michigan-Officer-Charged-With-Pregnant-Woman-s-Death/-/1719418/1786774/-/gmhohq/-/index.html

SAGINAW, Mich. - A Michigan police officer has been charged in the strangulation death of a woman near the end of her pregnancy whose body was found in August near his department's gun range.

Kenneth Bluew was arraigned by video Tuesday on charges in the death of 32-year-old Jennifer Webb, and was ordered held without bond. He's charged with first-degree murder, felony firearm possession and a charge related to the death of the unborn child.

Bluew told the court he understands the nature of charges against him and planned to hire a lawyer. Not guilty pleas were entered.

He's due back in court Sept. 22 for a preliminary hearing.

Donald Webb said he's glad an arrest has been made, but it doesn't calm him heart.

"In that aspect we're happy. But, like my wife said, my daughter and our grandson is not coming back," he said.

Buena Vista Township police said an officer found Webb's body Aug. 30 near the department's gun range near Saginaw. She was eight months pregnant. Investigators said Bluew is suspected of being the father of Webb's child and having an ongoing affair with her. He is married.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas said DNA evidence linked Bluew to the crime scene.















Buena Vista Police Officer Ken Bluew charged in murder of Jenny Webb
Connect Michigan
September 13, 2011
http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/story.aspx?id=662573

A Buena Vista Police Officer has been charged in the murder of a pregnant woman.

Kenneth Blue has been issued premeditated murder charges in the death of Jenny Webb. Prosecutor Mike Thomas says her body was found by Officer Tim Patterson at a police gun range in Buena Vista just before midnight on August 31, 2011.

Prosecutor Thomas says the woman was strangled, and that resulted in the death of her unborn baby as well. He also says that Bluew was armed and on duty when detectives believe he committed the crime.

Webb was eight months pregnant and had already named her child Braxton James.

The woman and child were laid to rest the following Saturday. Friend and family were shocked by the horrendous crime. Edward Davis, a family friend talked to NBC25 on the day of the memorial.
 
Davis stated, "this person not only killed a woman, whoever that person may be but, they took two lives. They took the life of an infant." Webb's former coworker Barry Beer also told NBC25, "It's hard to wrap your head around something like this because she's the last person you would expect this to happen to because she had no enemies."

Michigan State Police took over the investigation when it became apparent that Officer Bluew was a key suspect in the homicide. They analyzed evidence samples and DNA taken from the crime scene.

Officer Bluew has also been charged with Felony Firearm Posession, Intentional Conduct against a Pregnant Individual Resulting in Death and Miscarriage or Stillbirth to a Fetur or Embry. He is expected to be arraigned Tuesday morning.

NBC25 will be in Saginaw County, and will have more details on the story as it develops throughout the day.














Buena Vista Police Officer Ken Bluew charged in murder of Jenny Webb
NBC News
September 13, 2011
http://www.minbcnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=662573

Officer Kenneth Bluew was charged with premeditated murder in the death of Jennifer Webb.


Officer Kenneth Bluew's booking photos


BUENA VISTA -- A Buena Vista Police Officer has been charged in the murder of a pregnant woman.

Kenneth Bluew, a man who has served as a police officer since 1999, has been charged with premeditated murder in the death of Jenny Webb. Prosecutor Mike Thomas says her body was found by Officer Tim Patterson at a police gun range in Buena Vista just before midnight on August 31, 2011. Prosecutor Thomas says the woman was strangled, and that resulted in the death of her unborn baby, Braxton James, as well.

He also says that Bluew was armed and on duty when detectives believe he committed the crime. You can read more details on the crime scene and initial reports by clicking here.

Bluew was arraigned Tuesday morning in Saginaw County District Court. Following the video arraignment, Prosecutor Thomas spoke with NBC25 regarding the investigation that led them to the police officer. He says the Michigan State Police were called to help with the investigation shortly after Webb's body was found, given the sensitivity of the case. They took several evidence and DNA samples, and as soon as results were completed, the prosecutor says he moved forward with a warrant for Bluew's arrest. The warrant was issued around 4:45 p.m. Monday, and the suspect was arrested shortly after.

Officer Bluew has also been charged with Felony Firearm Possession, Intentional Conduct against a Pregnant Individual Resulting in Death and Miscarriage or Stillbirth to a Fetus or Embryo.

On the NBC25 Facebook page, much discussion has centered over whether Bluew should be charged with a double homicide, due to the death of the unborn baby. Prosecutor Thomas says the infant's death, per Michigan law, "is not characterized by murder per se, but it is characterized as death or serious injury to a fetus or embryo, and that's the charge that we have issued."

While Bay Justice Defense Attorney Edward Czuprynski isn't representing Bluew, he did come onto the NBC25 Today Show Wednesday to offer some further insight into how cases like this are handled. You can see his interview video below:



The woman and child were laid to rest the following Saturday after the crime. Friends and family were shocked by the horrendous crime. Edward Davis, a family friend talked to NBC25 on the day of the memorial. Davis stated, "this person not only killed a woman, whoever that person may be but, they took two lives. They took the life of an infant." Webb's former coworker Barry Beer also told NBC25, "it's hard to wrap your head around something like this because she's the last person you would expect this to happen to because she had no enemies."

Prosecutor Thomas says while the allegations against the Buena Vista Police officer are “upsetting, the principal upset in this case is the fact that we lost a 32-year-old citizen and a child that could have been born alive and lost their life experiences also. That’s the tragedy in this case.”

Officer Bluew is scheduled to have a preliminary court hearing on September 22nd. He is currently being held without bond in the Gratiot County Jail and will be brought to the Saginaw County Jail for court appearances. According to the Detroit Free Press, not guilty pleas have been entered for Bluew, and he has been suspended from his job during the investigative and court processes.

We want to hear your reactions. Are you shocked that a police officer is accused in this murder? Leave us your comments below.



09132011 - Recognition For Cloudwriter Of 'Behind The Blue Wall'

Cloudwriter of Behind The Blue Wall: www.behindthebluewall.blogspot.com


Website spotlighting domestic violence by police features case of Buena Vista police officer Kenneth Bluew, charged with killing pregnant Bridgeport Township woman
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 9:28 AM
Updated: Tuesday, September 13, 2011, 10:17 AM
By Justin L. Engel
The Saginaw News The Saginaw News
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/website_spotlighting_domestic.html

SAGINAW — The case surrounding the homicide of a 32-year-old pregnant Bridgeport Township woman appears on a website featuring stories of law enforcers accused of domestic violence.

Buena Vista Township police officer Kenneth Bluew this morning was arraigned on charges relating to the murder of Jennifer M. Webb, who was eight months pregnant, on Aug. 30.

Bluew's name also is linked with Webb’s murder in “Behind The Blue Wall,” a website aimed at spotlighting domestic violence from law enforcers.

The website features media reports from unconfirmed sources who state Bluew was a suspect in Webb’s death, along with reports about the victim.

The site’s web master appeared to react to this morning’s news of charges against Bluew.

“... Everything was happening so fast and there was such a dual sense of sadness and joy to hear that he was in a cage,” one message reads. “I'm very careful about saying he DID it but now that he's arrested at least we know that the police have some evidence to back up what I'm sure most of us were already feeling pretty sure of. THANK YOU TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ALL OTHER OFFICES AND AGENCIES INVOLVED IN THE INVESTIGATION, DECISION TO FILE CHARGES, AND DECISION TO ARREST.”

Bluew was charged with first degree premeditated murder, felony firearm possession and intentional conduct against a pregnant individual resulting in death, miscarriage or stillbirth to a fetus or embryo.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas said officials determined Webb was strangled to death before police found her pregnant body near North Outer Drive, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range.

Thomas said Buena Vista Police Chief Brian Booker requested state police conduct the investigation when he learned one of his police officers was a suspect.
Related topics: Jenny Webb, Kenneth Bluew, Saginaw County crime

Thursday, September 8, 2011

09082011- MCL 769.4a Amended - Senate Bill 0633 Of 2011/ Public Act No. 550 - Introduced - Cases and disposition of criminal charges closed to public inspection




DV/OIDV cases tried under MCL 769.4a are closed to public inspection


MCL 769.4a
Sec. 4a. (6) "Unless the court enters an adjudication of quilt under this section, all proceedings regarding the disposition of the criminal charge shall be closed to the public inspection..."







Thursday, September 1, 2011

09012011 - Police Chief David Hague - Charges Dropped - Boyne Falls PD

Also See:



Chief David Hague charged with domestic violence [June 30, 2011]


Hague criminal charges to be dropped
September 01, 2011
Sheri McWhirter
Petoskey News
http://www.petoskeynews.com/



CHARLEVOIX — Criminal charges against former Boyne Falls police chief David Hague are expected to be dropped for lack of evidence.

Hague, 53, of rural Charlevoix County, faced a domestic violence misdemeanor charge after an altercation with his estranged wife in June at his home on M-66 near East Jordan. Charlevoix County’s assistant prosecutor Kerry Zahner filed a motion on Tuesday to dismiss the case because of insufficient evidence to meet the burden of proof, according to court records.

Judge Richard May is expected to sign the motion today, Thursday, Sept. 1.

Charlevoix attorney Chris Turkelson, Hague’s defense attorney, could not be reached for comment, nor could Zahner. The motion calls for the case to be dismissed without prejudice.

Meanwhile, Boyne Falls officials fired Hague from his law enforcement job.

Debra Taylor, village clerk, said Boyne Falls’ leaders terminated Hague’s employment as the village’s sole police officer at their meeting on Aug. 9.

“They decided to stop the police department for a while here, but it doesn’t have anything to do with David being off,” Taylor said.

Hague took a leave of absence from his law enforcement job after his arrest on June 21, she said.

Michigan State Police records show the dispute arose when Hague’s wife returned to the home to collect clothing for their youngest child. The police report also shows she saw and took notes Hague kept about her comings and goings at the house, but he struggled to retrieve them and allegedly pushed her against a wall.

Reports also show the incident continued when she attempted to take things from a child’s bedroom, but Hague blocked her. Finally, police documents show Hague’s wife took and kept for several weeks a backpack with his personal paperwork and his village-issued mobile phone for his police job.

Taylor said that’s why she shut off service to the taxpayer-funded phone.

Later in the day, hours after the physical altercation, Charlevoix County Sheriff’s deputies returned to the home after Hague’s wife crashed her vehicle into the house. Authorities said the crash was not intentional.



09012011 - Deputy Ryan Salisbury - Grand Traverse County SD

Deputy Ryan Salisbury [Grand Traverse SD]: December 12, 2012 domestic violence assault:


Deputy Ryan Salisbury: Fighting termination after DV conviction:


Deputy Ryan Salisbury: DV plea agreement


Deputy Ryan Salisbury: 2011 investigation for domestic violence assault:





In late 2011, Grand Traverse Sheriff Deputy Ryan Salisbury was investigated for a domestic violence incident with his ex-wife. The prosecutor declined to file charges against Deputy Salisbury.

A year later, in December 2012, Deputy Salisbury was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend at a bar. He was charged with disorderly conduct and domestic violence. In January 2013, the domestic violence charge was dropped and Deputy Salisbury pled guilty to disorderly conduct.

In February 2013, Grand Traverse Sheriff Tom Bensley fired Deputy Salisbury from the Sheriff Department for the December 07, 2012 domestic violence assault.

DEPUTY RYAN SALISBURY:
December 07, 2012 arrest for domestic violence:
http://michiganoidv.blogspot.com/2012/12/deputy-ryan-salisbury-grand-traverse-sd.html











Grand Traverse deputy takes plea bargain
Domestic violence charge dropped as part of the deal
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record Eagle
Thu Jan 10, 2013, 07:14 AM EST
http://record-eagle.com/local/x1746076848/Grand-Traverse-deputy-takes-plea-deal




...In late 2011, Leelanau County assistant prosecutor Doug Donaldson declined to issue a domestic violence charge against Salisbury for an alleged assault on a different woman in Grand Traverse County. That woman, Salisbury's then-wife, asked Donaldson not to charge.

Koop said Salisbury's history is problematic considering his profession.

"I have a snapshot of his behavior in two situations involving a wife and a live-in girlfriend," he said. "That snapshot says to me that this officer has a behavioral issue that needs to be addressed."








Grand Traverse County sheriff's deputy charged after alleged assault at Traverse City bar
By Garret Ellison
MLive
December 29, 2012 at 9:05 AM
Updated December 29, 2012 at 12:30 PM
http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2012/12/grand_traverse_county_sheriffs_1.html



...Salisbury was investigated in 2011 by Leelanau County authorities for suspicion of domestic violence, but was not arrested...

                                 




GT County deputy charged in assault case
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record-Eagle
Sat Dec 29, 2012, 07:14 AM EST
http://record-eagle.com/local/x730421853/GT-County-deputy-charged-in-assault-case





...in 2011 was investigated for an alleged assault against another woman. Assistant Leelanau County Prosecutor Doug Donaldson, who handled that case after Leelanau Prosecutor Joe Hubbell was assigned special prosecutor, declined to issue charges then.


The victim in that case, Salisbury's now ex-wife, "was adamant about not wanting to go forward" with charges, Donaldson said....









GT deputy arrested after report of assault
He also was a suspect in a separate assault last year
BY ART BUKOWSKI
The Record Eagle
Sat Dec 08, 2012, 03:35 PM EST
http://record-eagle.com/local/x2120612569/GT-deputy-arrested-after-report-of-assault


...Salisbury was investigated last year by Leelanau County authorities for suspicion of domestic violence, but was not arrested. Leelanau County Prosecutor Joe Hubbell was assigned to the case after Schneider removed himself.


Assistant Leelanau Prosecutor Doug Donaldson handled that case, which he characterized as a "shoving match."

"It was not a significant assault," he said.

The female victim later decided she didn't want to press charges, Donaldson said, and none were issued. But the fact that Salisbury is in trouble now for an alleged assault complaint made Donaldson think twice about the previous case.

"It gives me pause for thought regarding my prior decisions, but they are what they are," he said..








Grand Traverse Sheriff's Deputy Arrested
They Record Eagle
Fri Dec 07, 2012, 06:28 PM EST
TRAVERSE CITY — BY ART BUKOWSKI
http://record-eagle.com/local/x520558107/Grand-Traverse-sheriffs-deputy-arrested


...Salisbury was a suspect in an assault against another woman last year, but Leelanau County authorities declined to charge him with a crime...   ...Salisbury was investigated for domestic violence about a year ago. Leelanau County Prosecutor Joe Hubbell was assigned to the case after Schneider removed himself.

Assistant Leelanau Prosecutor Doug Donaldson handled that case, which he characterized as a "shoving match."

"It was not a significant assault," he said.

The female victim later decided she didn't want to press charges, Donaldson said, and none were issued. But the fact that Salisbury was arrested again for an alleged assault complaint made Donaldson think twice about the previous case.

"It gives me pause for thought regarding my prior decisions, but they are what they are," he said...

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

08302011 - Officer Kenneth Bluew - Murder Of Pregnant Girlfriend Jennifer Webb




Jennifer Webb Murder Case Links


















On August 31, 2011, the Buena Vista Township Police Department [MI] found Jennifer Webb's body in an area near the department's firing range. Jennifer was eight months pregnant.

* A special thank you to Cloudwriter for her assistance with this post *





ALSO SEE:
BEHIND THE BLUE WALL [CLOUDWRITER]:

"...an officer who worked at the Buena Vista Township Police Department was sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim..." [FOX NEWS]


"...Investigators from Michigan State Police were called in to take over the case, something that usually happens when a law enforcement officer is involved..." [WJBK NEWS]


"...Jennifer was at least eight months pregnant, due to give birth to a baby boy she named Braxton in September. Few details are being released about her death...." [WNEM NEWS]


















































Body found near North Outer in Buena Vista Township was a pregnant woman, prosecutor says
MLive
August 31, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/08/body_found_near_north_outer_in.html

BUENA VISTA TWP. — The body found in Buena Vista Township early this morning was that of a pregnant woman, according to Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas.
State police investigators are calling the death “suspicious” and Thomas said the woman was in a “late-term pregnancy.”

Police found the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends to the north at Hack, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range, according to Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker.

No suspect is in custody in connection with the death, according to Thomas. who declined to discuss whether investigators have a suspect.

When asked if the incident is a homicide, Thomas said “We’re not really sure what we’ve got.” The woman’s identity has not been released.

Thomas said an autopsy occurred today on the woman’s body, but he said results aren’t being released and said investigators are waiting on results of toxicology tests done on the body.

Booker said he could share no further details. The chief said it was a “mutual decision” to have state police handle the investigation, though Buena Vista detectives investigated the township’s last homicide in July. The chief declined to provide further explanation.













Woman's body found at gun range
NBC25 Newsroom
August 31, 2011


Jennifer Webb, murdered. She was 8 months pregnant with her son Braxton James Donald Webb.







State police trooper blocks access to Outer north of Freeway in Buena Vista Township








BUENA VISTA TWP. -- A Saginaw County woman, who was due to give birth in just a few weeks, was found dead at a police gun range in Buena Vista Township early Wednesday morning.

Jenny Webb had already named her unborn son, Braxton James Donald Webb.

The Buena Vista Township Police Department has handed the investigation over to Michigan State Police and Saginaw County Prosecutor Mike Thomas is already reviewing evidence. He made a rare appearance at the scene Wednesday.

Thomas is not releasing any details except to say the woman was late in pregnancy.

In the meantime, NBC25 is learning more about Jenny Webb through her online activity. Before her Facebook page was closed to the public it showed she had more than 300 friends and was expecting the birth of her first child Sept. 23rd.

She posted a number of photos on her Classmates.com page showing her at football games and on vacation. She wrote on there that she was hoping to get a class reunion together. She also wrote that she would one day like to have children.

"She had a bubbly personality. She was always so upbeat. You could be feeling doom and gloom and she would come in and put a smile on your face," said Barry Beer, a former co-worker of Webb's.

Beer says he worked with Jenny at Anderson Logistics in Birch Run. He says he moved to Virginia but kept in touch with her through Facebook. He says he was shocked to hear of Jenny's death.

"It's hard to wrap your head around something like this because she's the last person you would expect this to happen to because she had no enemies," said Beer.

Those very close to the Jenny Webb investigation say they're disgusted and disappointed about what happened but won't get into specifics right now.

However, her neighbors are talking about the loss.

"It was a shock to me because I can't believe anyone would do that to her," says Steve Wobig, who says he's lived next to Jenny for seven years.

Steve says she lived alone and took care of herself as well as anyone who needed her help.

"She was a really nice neighbor, friendly, nice to everybody. She always said 'Hi' and if you needed any help she would help you. She will really be missed."

She most recently worked at P.F. Markey Incorporated and graduated from Bridgeport High in 1997. A cheerleader and life-long resident of the area, Webb had several siblings and spent time at the Candlelite Bowling and Banquet Center in Bridgeport Township.

The owner says he can still see Jenny's smiling face.

He says he feels sorry for the family who has to deal with two tragedies, the death of a daughter and a grandchild.

As for Beer, he says he still can't believe Jenny is gone.

"It's just a tragedy . It's hard to put into words. She'll by missed by many, many people."

According to an obituary, funeral service is planned for September 3rd at 4:00 p.m. at W. L. Case and Company, located at 4480 Mackinaw Road. Ronald Sinclair will officiate.













Suspicious death reported in Buena Vista Township
MLive
August 31, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/08/suspicious_death_reported_in_b.html



BUENA VISTA TWP. -- State police investigators are revealing few details regarding a body discovered in Buena Vista Township but are calling the death "suspicious."

Police discovered the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends at Hack, north of Freeway and west of the Buena Vista Township Police Department gun range, according to Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker.

State police blocked access to the crime scene at the intersection of Freeway and North Outer. Representatives on scene declined comment and referred all inquiries to Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas.

Booker, who arrived on scene early Wednesday after the body was discovered, said he could share no further details.

He said it was a "mutual decision" to have state police handle the investigation, though Buena Vista detectives investigated the township's last homicide in July. Booker declined to provide further explanation.

The victim's identity and apparent manner of death have not been revealed.

WNEM, Channel 5, previously reported that State Police Crime Lab personnel were on scene.


Although the prosecutor claims no arrests have been made and refused to comment on a suspect, sources told FOX 2 an officer who worked at the Buena Vista Township Police Department was sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim.

An autopsy has been completed, but officials still haven't released the results.

One thing is clear, this was an unexpected death for a woman excited to bring a new life into the world.




















Police officer who found pregnant woman's body identified
ABC News
Sep 01, 2011
http://www.abc12.com/story/15379740/police-officer-who-found-pregnant-womans-body-identified

BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP (WJRT) - (09/01/11) - While police are still saying very little about the suspicious death of a pregnant Saginaw County woman, one of the woman's friends talked to ABC12 and gave us possible insight as to why the police and prosecutor's investigation remains shrouded in mystery.

Investigators spent several hours near a Saginaw County gun range Wednesday.

Friends of 32-year-old Jennifer Webb say she confided in them about her relationship with a married Buena Vista Township Police Officer. It is the same officer who found her body.

"She was the happiest person in the world," an unidentified friend said.

ABC12 heard the same description from a number of people who knew Webb.

Her bosses at P.F. Markey in Saginaw Township say she was one of the best employees at the company and her friends say she was very excited about the upcoming birth of her baby. The baby boy was due in a few weeks.

Webb was found dead near a gun range in Buena Vista Township right around midnight Tuesday night.

Buena Vista Township police officers were first on the scene, reporting a possible suicide, but the investigation was immediately turned over to the Michigan State Police.

Today, we also spoke to the Buena Vista Police Officer who found her body. Ken Bluew told ABC12 that he in fact found Webb's body, but that's all he wanted to say about the incident.

Webb's friends, including the one we spoke to, tell us she and Bluew were romantically involved.

"Jennifer and I were very close friends and she shared all the details with me about everything that was going on in their relationship," the friend said.

Webb told her friend that Bluew was the father of her unborn child. "They met privately, she found she was pregnant, shared it with him," she said.

The location where Webb's body was found also played a part in their relationship. "To my knowledge, that's where they met previously and that's where they met and discussed issues like child support and taking care of the baby in the future," the friend said.

Investigators will not confirm any of this.

When ABC12 talked with Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker Thursday, he was asked what Bluew's status was with the department and if is he still on duty or suspended. Booker's only comment was that he doesn't comment on the status of any Buena Vista Township police officer.

An autopsy has been done, but a cause of death has not been released.

So far, investigators will only call Webb's death suspicious
.















Candlelight vigil held Friday night in Bridgeport
Connect Michigan
September 02, 2011
http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/story.aspx?id=658093






BUENA VISTA TWP.
-- Jenny Webb's family and friends gathered at the Bridgeport Township Pavillion Friday night for a candlelight vigil to remember Webb and her unborn son Braxton.

"Vivacious, energetic, spontaneous. Just a beautiful person," said family friend Deb Nussear, who had known Jenny since she was a little girl.

The Saginaw County prosecutor is now labeling the death of Webb and her unborn child as a homicide investigation, and investigators are not revealing much about the case.

"We're waiting on Michigan State Police crime lab reports, results, and toxicology reports," says Michael Thomas, Saginaw County prosecutor.

It's been several days since Jenny Webb's body was found. An autopsy is complete, but the findings are still not known.

Co-workers, family, and friends visited the W.L. Case & Company Funeral Chapel to pay respects to the family of the 32 year old Webb.

Thomas would not comment about suspects but says witnesses are being cooperative. Detectives are working late into the evening. Troopers are speaking directly with Webb's family who remain guarded and grieving.

Thomas says, "It's a tragedy. It's as serious a situation as you can find. A young lady who was going to be giving birth shortly and had a baby that most likely would have survived and so basically we've lost two people here."

Webb's funeral is Saturday at 4:00PM.

She had already named her unborn son, Braxton James Donald Webb.

Webb posted a number of photos on her Classmates.com page showing her at football games and on vacation. She wrote on there that she was hoping to get a class reunion together. She also wrote that she would one day like to have children.

"She had a bubbly personality. She was always so upbeat. You could be feeling doom and gloom and she would come in and put a smile on your face," said Barry Beer, a former co-worker of Webb's.

Beer says he worked with Jenny at Anderson Logistics in Birch Run. He says he moved to Virginia but kept in touch with her through Facebook. He says he was shocked to hear of Jenny's death.

"It's hard to wrap your head around something like this because she's the last person you would expect this to happen to because she had no enemies," said Beer.

Those very close to the Jenny Webb investigation say they're disgusted and disappointed about what happened but won't get into specifics right now.

However, her neighbors are talking about the loss.

"It was a shock to me because I can't believe anyone would do that to her," says Steve Wobig, who says he's lived next to Jenny for seven years.

Steve says she lived alone and took care of herself as well as anyone who needed her help.

"She was a really nice neighbor, friendly, nice to everybody. She always said 'Hi' and if you needed any help she would help you. She will really be missed."

She most recently worked at P.F. Markey Incorporated and graduated from Bridgeport High in 1997. A cheerleader and life-long resident of the area, Webb had several siblings and spent time at the Candlelite Bowling and Banquet Center in Bridgeport Township.















Family speaks out on pregnant woman's homicide
WNEM News
Sep 02, 2011
Saginaw Township Prosecutor, Mike Thomas

Family and friends are remembering Jenny Webb, the pregnant woman whose body was found outside a police gun range in Buena Vista Township.

Visitation was underway most of Friday at a Saginaw Township funeral home. But there are still a lot of unanswered questions surrounding her death, answers that police aren't giving up.

WNEM TV5's Liz Gelardi spoke to some family members of Jenny's to see if they know anything else.

"It's just not the same, it's just not my sister who was always the one that was there and the one that I could talk to and cry to and just sit with, it's just, it's going to be hard," said Angie Webb, Jennifer's sister.

The pain is still real and emotions are raw for Angie as she talks about her 32-year-old sister, Jennifer Webb.

Angie Webb tells TV5 her sister was a ray of sunshine, her best friend, and she can't begin to make sense of her sudden death.

"We're all still in a fog, it hasn't really I mean its hit us but it hasn't, it's just unreal," said Angie.

Police found Jennifer Webb's body early Wednesday morning in Buena Vista Township.

At the time they called her death suspicious. Now the Saginaw Township Prosecutor, Mike Thomas, has labeled her death a homicide.

Jennifer was at least eight months pregnant, due to give birth to a baby boy she named Braxton in September. Few details are being released about her death.

TV5 asked the family if they could tell us anything else about what happened.

"We really, honestly, don't know what happened," said Angie. "We have our ideas of what happened, but we want the MSP and the prosecutor to be able to do their jobs."

Angie believes foul play is involved, the prosecutor says he is treating the death as a homicide.

Family and friends say they'll wait for the truth to come out.

In the meantime, they're remembering a woman who touched their lives and the baby they never had a chance to meet.

"It's just so unfair, two wonderful people were taken from us and it's just so unfair," said Angie.

The candle light vigil is tonight at 9:30 p.m. at the Bridgeport Pavilion behind the township offices.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m. at W.l. Case Funeral Home


WNEM SLIDESHOW:

 Jennifer M Webb


Webb was reportedly 8 months pregnant. The photos printed here are with permission from her family [WNEM]



The Michigan State Police Crime Lab is investigating the case. [WNEM]



An autopsy was performed Wednesday afternoon, but the medical examiner is not releasing the cause of... [WNEM]


According to a profile at Classmates.com, Webb graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1997 and went to Delta College from 1997 to 1999, and Saginaw Valley State University from 1999 to 2002...[WNEM]


She didn't deserve it, there [were] problems that could have been solved other ways," said family friend Rose King. "It's very sad for all of us that knew her, that at 32 years old, she was taken away from us this way," said Rose's husband, Bob...[WNEM]















Funeral set for pregnant Bridgeport woman found dead in Buena Vista
MLive

SAGINAW TWP. Funeral arrangements are set for Jennifer M. Webb, the 32-year-old pregnant woman found dead under “suspicious” circumstances in Buena Vista Township on Wednesday.

Family and friends can attend Webb’s funeral at 4 p.m. Saturday at W.L. Case and Co., Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw in Saginaw Township.

An obituary for the Bridgeport Township woman describes her as “the type of person who, once you met her, you felt like you knew her all your life."

“She thoroughly enjoyed being with people,” reads the obituary, which described Webb as a fan of hunting and camping.

The 1997 Bridgeport High School graduate attended Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University, her obituary states.

State police investigators are calling the death “suspicious,” and Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas said the woman was in a “late-term pregnancy.”

Police found the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends to the north at Hack, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range, Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker said.

When asked if the incident is a homicide, Thomas said on Wednesday, “We’re not really sure what we’ve got.”















Death of Pregnant Michigan Woman Deemed Suspicious
FOX News
September 02, 2011
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/02/death-pregnant-michigan-woman-deemed-suspicious/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%7C92428

The mysterious death in Michigan of a pregnant woman close to giving birth has sparked a police investigation into the death, which is being described as suspicious.

The woman, whom acquaintances have identified as 32-year-old Jennifer Webb, was expected to give birth next month, MyFoxDetroit.com reported. Police have yet to publicly identify her.

"She was excited she was going to have a baby," neighbor Steve Wobig told the TV station.

Her body was found early Wednesday in a rural area in Saginaw County's Buena Vista Township, near the police department's gun range.

Buena Vista Township police initially responded to a suicide report, but the Saginaw County prosecutor said it now is being looked at as a suspicious death, MyFoxDetroit.com reported.

Investigators from Michigan State Police were called in to take over the case, something that usually happens when a law enforcement officer is involved. The prosecutor said no arrests have been made and has refused to comment on possible suspects.

MyFoxDetroit.com cited unnamed sources who said a Buena Vista police officer had been sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim.

Autopsy results are pending.

Webb's obituary in the Saginaw News says she enjoyed hunting and camping, as well as Michigan football.

"Jennifer was the type of person who, once you met her, you felt like yo knew her all your life," the obituary reads.
















Jennifer Marie WEBB

 
WEBB, Jennifer Marie of Bridgeport, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, August 31, 2011, age 32 years. Jennifer was born in Saginaw, Michigan April 12, 1979, the daughter of Donald and Dawn (Loth) Webb. She graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1997 and had attended Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University. She had been employed at Andersen Logistics and was currently working for P. F. Markey. Jennifer was an avid Michigan football fan. She enjoyed hunting and camping. Jennifer was the type of person who, once you met her, you felt like you knew her all your life. She thoroughly enjoyed being with people. Jennifer is survived by her parents, Donald and Dawn Webb; her grandmother, Norma Loth; a brother, Jeffrey (Heather Zoellner) Webb; a sister, Angela Webb; nieces and nephew, Kayley Jo Colling, Cass City, Hunter and MacKenzie Webb; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and hundreds of friends. The funeral service will take place 4:00 p.m. Saturday, September 3, 2011 at W. L. Case & Company, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Rev. Ronald Sinclair will officiate. Friends may call at the chapel on Friday from 2:00 - 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.













Jennifer Webb's death being treated as homicide 'until we can determine it's something else,' prosecutor says
MLive
September 02, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/jennifer_webbs_death_being_tre.html

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas has identified a woman found deceased Tuesday night in Buena Vista Township as 32-year-old Jennifer M. Webb, saying he’s “treating this as a homicide until we can determine it’s something else.”

The body of Webb, of Saginaw, who was about eight months pregnant according to Thomas, was found near North Outer Drive where it ends north of Hack.

Thomas said her body was discovered Tuesday night but he declined to say who found her.

“We know what the manner of death is, but we’re not releasing that at this time,” Thomas said. “We want to make sure, in our witness interviews, that the information we’re getting is based upon facts and evidence and knowledge of the event, and not what they read in The Saginaw News or from watching Channel Whatever.”

The prosecutor declined to comment when asked if investigators have a suspect. He said the investigation of Webb’s death “will continue through the weekend from our end and from the police end.”

Michigan State Police are investigating the incident. Earlier this week, they had described the death as "suspicious."

The prosecutor said authorities are waiting for further results of laboratory tests done by Michigan State Police forensic scientists, “and we don’t have them yet.”

“Per our Saginaw County death investigation procedure, we’re treating this as a homicide until we can determine it’s something else,” Thomas said.
















Jennifer Webb Murder Or Suicide?
Solariasun.Com
September 02, 2011
http://solariasun.com/6063/jennifer-webb-murder-or-suicide/

Jennifer Webb Murder Or Suicide – Questions are being asked if Jennifer Webb's death was a murder or suicide after body was found near a Michigan police shooting range.

8 months pregnant, Jennifer Webb’s death was initially thought to be a suicide, but authorities have turned toward a murder motive when friends argued the 32 year old Michigan woman would never take her own life.

“She was excited she was going to have a baby,” neighbor Steve Wobig told a local TV station.

Jennifer’s body was found early Wednesday in a rural area in Saginaw County’s Buena Vista Township, near the police department’s gun range.

Reports from Michigan news sources state Buena Vista Township police initially responded to a suicide report, but the Saginaw County prosecutor has now classified it as a suspicious death.

Compounding the mystery is the prosecutors use of Michigan State Police investigators called in to take over the case from Saginaw deputies, perhaps occuring due to a police officer being involved in the suspicous death. When questioned regarding this change in investigative personnel the prosecutor said no arrests have been made and has refused to comment on possible suspects.

MyFoxDetroit.com cited unnamed sources who said a Buena Vista police officer had been sent home from work because of his possible connection with the victim. Autopsy results are pending.












Pregnant Woman Found Dead Near Gun Range in Saginaw County
WJBK News - Detroit
September 01, 2011
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/police-probe-death-of-pregnant-saginaw-area-woman-20110901-wpms

SAGINAW COUNTY, Mich. (WJBK) - The woman, who lived in Saginaw County, was expected to give birth next month. Neighbors said she was very excited about it. That is why what appeared first as a suicide investigators now believe is something now much different.

"She was excited she was going to have a baby," said Steve Wobig.

He told us his neighbor, Jennifer Webb had recently celebrated her baby shower. She was so thrilled about the arrival of her new baby, she even posted the ultrasound image as her Facebook profile picture.

Then word came the 32-year-old mother-to-be was found dead.

Tuesday night, Webb's body was discovered nearly Freeway and South Outer Drive, a rural area in Saginaw County's Buena Vista Township near the police department's gun range that is frequented by officers.

Buena Vista Township Police responded to what at first was a suicide call, but now according to the Saginaw County prosecutor is being looked at as a suspicious death.

Investigators from Michigan State Police were called in to take over the case, something that usually happens when a law enforcement officer is involved.














Pregnant Woman Found Dead Near Saginaw
Victim Is 32-Year-Old Jenny Webb

Click On Detroit
September 1, 2011



BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Buena Vista Township police said the body of a pregnant woman has been found near a gun range.

The body was found early Wednesday morning near North Outer Drive.

Police have not released the name of the victim, but Local 4 has learned it is 32-year-old Jenny Webb, who was eight months pregnant.

An autopsy has been performed, but Webb's cause of death has not been released.

Police have confirmed that a decision was made to have Michigan State Police handle the investigation.














Police probe death of pregnant Saginaw-area woman
Chicago Tribune
September 1, 2011
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mi-pregnantwoman-dea,0,5883522.story

BUENA VISTA TOWNSHIP, Mich.— Authorities are investigating the suspicious death of a woman near the end of her pregnancy whose body was found in Saginaw County.

Officials haven't released the victim's name, but the owner of an industrial supply company tells The Saginaw News (http://j.mp/pRXZmM ) that she was one of his employees, Jenny Webb of Bridgeport Township.

Jim Terry owns P.F. Markey Inc. and says Webb was increasingly excited about the impending birth of her first child, who was due within a month.

Buena Vista Township police Chief Brian Booker says police found the body early Wednesday near his department's gun range, which is just east of Saginaw.

State police are calling the death suspicious but haven't released details.














'When she smiled, the whole office smiled'
Employer of pregnant victim found in Buena Vista remembers Bridgeport woman
MLive
September 01, 2011
http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2011/09/when_she_smiled_the_whole_offi.html

A photo on Classmates appears to show the same Jenny Webb media reports indicate was found dead Wednesday in Buena Vista Township.

SAGINAW TWP. — Jenny Webb “never had a down day” and wore a “fabulous smile” that could light up the room, her former boss says.

While officials have yet to confirm her identity, media reports indicate Bridgeport Township's Webb was the pregnant woman found dead under “suspicious” circumstances in Buena Vista Township on Wednesday.

The day before, she was working as a customer service employee at Saginaw Township’s P.F. Markey Inc., 2880 Universal, the company’s owner said.

“She was probably the most energetic, happy employee we had,” said Jim Terry, who owns the company which distributes cutting tools, abrasives and other industrial supplies. “She had a fabulous smile. When she smiled, the whole office smiled.”

Terry said Webb particularly was excited in recent months as she readied to have her first child, which was due within a month.

“She was very upbeat about the pregnancy,” Terry said. “She was excited to have the baby.”

He said Webb was “family-oriented,” although she was not married yet.

Terry said Webb, who worked at the office for two years, was a “big” University of Michigan football fan despite never attending the Ann Arbor school.

Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael D. Thomas this morning said he was waiting for state police detectives, who had been working the case early this morning, before relaying more information about the victim.

He has yet to confirm the victim was Webb.

State police investigators are calling the death “suspicious,” and Thomas said the woman was in a “late-term pregnancy.”

Police found the body early Wednesday near North Outer Drive where it ends to the north at Hack, west of the Buena Vista Police Department gun range, Buena Vista Township Police Chief Brian Booker said.

When asked if the incident is a homicide, Thomas said on Wednesday, “We’re not really sure what we’ve got.”